[Ma'an] Palestinian Authority Preventative Security Services in Hebron confiscated 1 million pills advertised as sexual stimulants, worth an estimated 20 million Shekels, from a warehouse in the city. According to the Ministry of Health, the pills originated from China and entered the West Bank without a required permit from the ministry. The warehouse raid followed a tip-off and was carried out in the presence of prosecutor Ashraf Al-Qawasmi, the general manager of tax and customs, Fawzi Abu Dayyah, and representatives of the Ministry of Health.
Khaled Seder, Ministry of Health manager in Hebron, said the pills confiscated were unusual, a variety he has not encountered before during his 28-year career as a doctor, he said. "These are not sexual stimulants; they are poisons. Samples will be sent to the laboratory for examination, to discover the chemical composition of these pill and to ascertain if they comply with Palestinian health standards."
"We estimate the real value of these stimulants, of which 15 varieties were discovered, if sold on the black market could obtain about 20 million shekels" he added.
Seder added that the Palestinian market would not be able to absorb the large quantity of pills discovered, and speculated that they were intended for export to neighboring countries like Jordan.
Seder called on Palestinians to consult with their doctor before purchasing pills claiming to assist in sexual-related problems and to obtain a prescription. "Do not let shame kill you; a doctor can help you more than any tonic."